Arthroscopic treatment of the knee joint
All non-surgical (conservative) treatment methods for the knee joint are initially considered and can be initiated.
If a surgical procedure is necessary, it is usually carried out minimally invasively in modern joint surgery. The preferred surgical method is arthroscopy (joint endoscopy).
Arthroscopy is a surgical technique that is particularly gentle on soft tissue. This minimizes discomfort after the operation and significantly shortens the healing process. In addition, the high visual resolution of the arthroscope allows joint structures to be repaired very precisely. Even cartilage damage that has already occurred can be treated. The Department of Sports Orthopedics and Hip Surgery has special expertise in this regard and is named as a center of the German Cartilage Register. We offer all common cartilage therapy procedures. Cartilage cell transplantation is also one of the procedures and has been used routinely in our department for many years (see also cartilage therapy flyer).
In the hands of an experienced arthroscope, arthroscopy is a surgical procedure with very few complications.
The decision as to which therapy is the most suitable for you individually will be made after detailed advice from us in the consultation.
Benefits of Arthroscopy
Fast healing
Only very small accesses are required for the operation (“keyhole technique”). Compared to classic (“open”) surgery, this leads to significantly less discomfort after the procedure.
Fewer problems
The small wound area and the soft tissue-friendly approach also significantly reduce the risk of complications surrounding the operation.
Increased patient satisfaction
In our experience, the combination of a safer surgical method with less postoperative discomfort results in significantly higher patient satisfaction.
Precise
Even serious injuries to the joint can be treated arthroscopically by an experienced surgeon. The diseased structures are examined directly and treated if necessary.
For all ages
In our opinion, both young and older patients benefit greatly from a gentle surgical procedure.
Young patients return to sport more quickly.
However, older patients also benefit from the quicker return to normality -
Clinical pictures:
We treat all knee joint diseases.
Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament
A torn anterior cruciate ligament is usually replaced with another tendon. The tendon is removed through a small open skin incision (“mini-open”). The cruciate ligament transplant itself, however, is carried out completely arthroscopically.
The choice of transplant is made after individual consultation with a doctor.
Meniscus tear
The meniscus is an important mechanical structure of the knee joint. In the event of a meniscus tear, attempts are always made to preserve meniscus tissue. This is usually done with a meniscal suture.
Cartilage damage
The treatment of cartilage damage requires special experience, as the long-term healing process is very individual. We offer all common cartilage regenerative procedures. What should be highlighted here is the one- or two-stage cartilage cell transplant.
Other clinical pictures:
- Band instabilities
- Mucosal pathologies
- Free joint bodies
- Infections
Surgical technique
As a rule, two small skin incisions (approx. 0.5cm) on the front knee joint are sufficient. A thin camera is carefully inserted into the knee joint through a skin incision (access) and the joint is filled with water. Using the second approach, the entire joint can be inspected and existing problems can be treated directly using special, very fine instruments.
Outpatient or inpatient stay and follow-up treatment
Arthroscopies of the knee joint can be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis. The inpatient stay is usually 1-2 days.
The follow-up treatment following the operation depends on the anatomical structure being treated. The knee joint can often be fully loaded again immediately after the operation and no restriction of mobility is necessary. However, relief or partial loading and restriction of movement may also be necessary. In most cases, the follow-up treatment can be estimated relatively accurately before the operation and will be discussed with you in advance of the operation.
